Waymo is setting up shop in Tokyo. Dunno when you'll be able to book a ride whenever you're in Tokyo next, but Waymo's partnering with Nihon Kotsu and GO so their Jaguar I-PACE robotaxis (they're still using those??) can "learn and adapt to left-hand traffic" as well "one of the world's most densely populated urban environments". You'd think of all the places in the world comfortable with a robot driver, Japan would be it. Also good for us as they drive on the same side of the road. On the other hand, Tokyo has excellent public transport so why would you even drive unless you had cargo/tools, etc?
One of the recommendations born out of a triannual regional telecommunications review is a nationwide map of what's available where. From the report - "the national platform should feature an interactive online tool that allows consumers to easily access detailed information on broadband and mobile service availability in their area, helping them make informed decisions about their connectivity options across Australia". A single map that shows all the coverage from the 3 mobile networks, plus what fixed line or wireless internet connections are available would be a bloody useful thing.
I've never heard of Databricks but they've snagged US$10b of investment that now values them at US$62b - one of the biggest ever VC funding rounds in history. Databricks "provides a cloud-based platform to help enterprises build, scale, and govern data and AI, including generative AI and other machine learning models" according to Wikipedia. Ali Ghodsi, co-founder and CEO of Databricks says that the money will "be mostly used to let some employees cash out their stock" and "hire top AI talent, invest in new AI products, and potential M&A opportunities for startups". Good luck to everyone involved, I hope you all get paid before the bubble bursts.
Reset Tech Australia, the Human Rights Law Centre, Psst.org and Digital Rights Watch have released Technology-Related Whistleblowing: A Practical Guide. It "provides an accessible summary of Australian workers’ protections for raising concerns about the harmful impacts of technology, and some practical considerations to assist anyone considering speaking up". This is great as it covers the topic from an Australian perspective as we have very different (worse) laws than the USA when it comes to whistleblowing. I strongly suggest you read it so next time you see something dodgy where you work you're empowered to do something about it.
Telecom is encouraging all managers to spend some time in the field working with staff in order to keep in touch with changes in work practices and to encourage closer liaison with staff. Barry Robertson (left), Quality Assurance Measurement Öfficer in Perth, Western Australia, checks the work carried out to rectify a fault watched by Chief State Engineer Andy Young - Telecom Australia Annual Report 1988 (National Library of Australia)
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